Aerial material distribution device

ABSTRACT

A device is provided. The device includes one or more electric sifters externally mounted to an aircraft and configured to store a payload. Each electric sifter includes a loading port to add the payload and a distribution apparatus to distribute the payload when the aircraft is airborne. The device also includes an uploaded program, configured to control the aircraft and the device. The uploaded program directs the aircraft to land at a designated location in response to a payload of a designated one of the one or more electric sifters reaching a predetermined level. In response to the device receives a command to activate the distribution apparatus, the distribution apparatus distributes the payload from the device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of pending non-Provisional U.S.application Ser. No. 14/517,866 filed Oct. 19, 2014, entitled AERIALMATERIAL DISTRIBUTION METHOD AND APPARATUS, which is hereby incorporatedby reference for all purposes, which is a Continuation-in-Part ofpending non-Provisional U.S. application Ser. No. 13/784,469 filed Mar.4, 2013, entitled AERIAL MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS.

FIELD

The present invention is directed to devices for aerial materialdistribution. In particular, the present invention is directed tomethods and apparatuses for efficiently distributing powdered orgranular materials and beneficial insects by aerial means.

BACKGROUND

Crop dusting, or aerial top dressing, involves spraying crops withfertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides from an agricultural aircraft.Agricultural aircraft are often purpose built, and include fixed wingairplanes and helicopters. In most cases, the fertilizers, pesticides,and fungicides are applied in liquid form from a spraying apparatusaffixed to the crop dusting aircraft. The spraying apparatus includeswet tanks which store the applied liquids, pressurization apparatus totransfer the applied liquids from the wet tanks to a spray boom, andspray nozzles arranged approximately symmetrically along the spray boomand oriented in a downward direction. Controls are provided near thepilot to control the release of the applied liquids to a selected targetarea. In most cases, the selected target area is a concentration ofseveral acres of plants or trees such as an orchard or plowed field.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to solving disadvantages of the priorart. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a deviceis provided. The device includes one or more electric sifters externallymounted to an aircraft and configured to store a payload. Each electricsifter includes a loading port to add the payload and a distributionapparatus to distribute the payload when the aircraft is airborne. Thedevice also includes an uploaded program, configured to control theaircraft and the device. The uploaded program directs the aircraft toland at a designated location in response to a payload of a designatedone of the one or more electric sifters reaching a predetermined level.In response to the device receives a command to activate thedistribution apparatus, the distribution apparatus distributes thepayload from the device.

In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, a deviceis provided. The device includes an electric sifter, mounted externallyto an aircraft. The electric sifter includes a chamber for storing apayload comprising one of powdered and granular material, a side loadingport to add the payload to the chamber, and a distribution apparatus todistribute the payload when the aircraft is airborne. The distributionapparatus includes a sifter door, a control rod coupled to the sifterdoor, and a sifter door actuator coupled to the control rod. Each sifterdoor actuator is coupled to an opposite end of the control rod from thesifter door. The sifter door actuator causes the control rod to move thesifter door between an open and a closed position. The device alsoincludes a processor and a memory, coupled to the processor, whichincludes an uploaded program, configured to control the electric sifter.In response to the uploaded program commands the sifter door actuator toopen the sifter door, the distribution apparatus distributes the payloadfrom the device.

In accordance with still other embodiments of the present invention, adevice is provided. The device includes a plurality of electric sifterseach mounted beneath and external to an aircraft and configured to storea payload. Each electric sifter includes a distribution apparatus todistribute the payload. The device also includes a processor and amemory, coupled to the processor. The memory includes an uploadedprogram, configured to control the electric sifter and a wirelessreceiver, coupled to the processor, and configured to receive commandsfrom a ground-based operator.

One advantage of the present invention is it provides a device foraerial distribution of a generally powdered or granular payload to atarget area, especially where the distribution area is not in closeproximity to the ground. Conventional ground-based granular materialapplicators requires blowers and in some cases ladders to reach thedistribution area, and are therefore much slower in application thanaerial granular material distribution apparatuses.

Another advantage of the present invention is allows a wide variety ofsolid materials in powdered or granular form to be distributed from anaircraft. The materials may be selectively released under control ofeither a ground-based operator or an uploaded program in the device.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent from the followingdescription, particularly when taken together with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a diagram illustrating components of a granular materialdispersal system using an airplane in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1b is a diagram illustrating an airplane side view in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2a is a diagram illustrating components of a granular materialdispersal system using a helicopter in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2b is a diagram illustrating a helicopter side view in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3a is a diagram illustrating a front isometric view of an enclosurewithout electric sifters in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3b is a diagram illustrating a side view of an enclosure containingelectric sifters with lid and door open in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 4a is a diagram illustrating a side view of a mounted enclosurecontaining an electric sifter with lid closed and door closed inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating a side view of a mounted enclosurecontaining an electric sifter with lid closed and door open inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5a is a diagram illustrating a door detail without flange inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating a door detail with flange inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating details of an electric sifter inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of an electric sifter inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8a is a diagram illustrating a sifter screen in accordance with afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8b is a diagram illustrating a sifter screen in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9a is a block diagram illustrating a granular material dispersalapparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9b is a block diagram illustrating a granular material dispersalapparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10a is a block diagram illustrating a circuit using wired controlin accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10b is a block diagram illustrating a circuit using wirelesscontrol in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a remotely piloted aircraft inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12a is a diagram illustrating a beneficial insect distributiondevice in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12b is a diagram illustrating a beneficial insect distributiondevice in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13a is a diagram illustrating an inside surface of a beneficialinsect distribution device lid in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13b is a diagram illustrating an inside bottom surface of abeneficial insect distribution device in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a granular material distributionprocess in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a beneficial insect distributionprocess in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a material distribution process inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some cases, it is desirable to apply materials in solid form toplants and trees. In some cases, a blower or brush operated by aground-based applicator is used to blow the solid material onto targetedplants or trees. This may be suitable for plants or trees in closeproximity to the ground, but such a distribution apparatus may not beable to reach taller plants or trees. Many such plants or trees, such asavocado trees, can grow to heights of 20 feet or more. Additionally,flowers of such trees are often concentrated in the canopy at the top ofthe trees, facing toward the sun. Although bees are commonly used topollinate flowers, if bees are not available, then other means must befound to pollinate flowers on beneficial plants and trees. For example,in late 2006 many honeybee colonies experienced Colony Collapse Disorder(CCD), where worker bees abruptly disappeared.

It is desirable to apply pollen and other granular solids to plants andtrees more efficiently than a ground-based blower or brush can provide.Normally, it is recommended to apply approximately 20 grams of pollen toan acre of trees. It is highly desirable to use existing crop-dustingaircraft to apply granular solids since new crop-dusting aircraft can bevery expensive. Additionally, certain forms of aircraft can be used toapply beneficial insects to an area in order to control populations ofharmful insects. The present invention is directed to providing reliablemeans of aerially distributing granular solids and beneficial insects toa selected target area.

Referring now to FIG. 1a , a diagram illustrating components of agranular material dispersal system using an airplane 104 is shown.Airplane 104 is a conventional fixed-winning airplane used forcrop-dusting and/or beneficial insect release, and is suitable for lowaltitude operation. Although airplane 104 is illustrated as a high-wingaircraft, any sort of suitable aircraft including low-wing monoplanesmay be used.

Airplane 104 includes a spray boom 108, used for distributing liquids toplants and trees. Airplane 104 is modified by adding one or moreenclosures 112 for distributing granular material 124 to a given targetarea 116. Enclosures 112 are described in more detail in FIGS. 3-8, andinclude one or more electric sifters. However, in some embodiments,enclosures 112 are not present, and only electric sifters and associatedsupport apparatus are present. However, enclosures 112 represent thepreferred embodiment when a fixed-wing airplane 104 is performing thegranular material 124 distribution.

When used for pollen distribution, granular material 124 includes pollenor a pollen mixture to be distributed on flowers 120 within the targetarea 116. In one embodiment, a pollen mixture may be from 1:1 part ofpollen to cornstarch/Sureset to 1:3. Cornstarch and/or Sureset are acarrier for the pollen, and add beneficial weight that aids in pollendistribution. However, in some cases there may be issues when usingSureset. First, Sureset is not organic and this alone may preventorganic farmers from using a pollen and Sureset mixture. Second, thereare some indications that Sureset may be harmful to blooms that alreadycontains sufficient nutrients, since the boron content of Sureset may betoxic to flowers/blooms. In other embodiments, a pollen mixture has noSureset, or may or may not include cornstarch. Therefore, the pollenmixture may include pollen only. Although FIG. 1a illustrates granularmaterial 124 distributed by a single enclosure 112, it should beunderstood that granular material 124 may be distributed by any numberof enclosures 112, including all enclosures 112 on airplane 104.Additionally, granular material 124 may include any material in powderor granular form, including but not limited to pesticides, fungicides,fertilizers, and seeds.

The target area 116 includes fields, orchards, farms, and any other areathat granular material 124 is to be distributed on. In some embodiments,including pollen distribution, the target area 116 includes flowers 120.However in other embodiments flowers 120 are not present.

Referring now to FIG. 1b , a diagram illustrating an airplane 104 sideview in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown.Airplane 104 includes spray boom 108 and one or more enclosures 112. Asillustrated in FIG. 1b , enclosures 112 are mounted at an angle to sprayboom 108. Angled mounting of enclosures 112 provides optimal operationfor the present invention when coupled to an airplane 104, and will bedescribed in more detail with respect to FIGS. 4a and 4 b.

Referring now to FIG. 2a , a diagram illustrating components of agranular material 124 dispersal system using a helicopter 204 inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown.Helicopter 204 is a rotary-wing aircraft capable of low-speed flying andhovering. Helicopter 204 includes a spray boom 108 as well as one ormore enclosures 112. Helicopter 204 may also include one or more wettanks 212; however these are not used in the present invention and areused for liquid distribution from spray boom 108. Unlike airplane 104,helicopter 204 produces rotor wash 208 below the spinning rotor in adownward direction. When granular material 124 includes pollen, rotorwash 208 aids in distributing the pollen on flowers 120 in the targetarea 116. Although FIG. 2a illustrates granular material 124 distributedby a single enclosure 112, it should be understood that granularmaterial 124 may be distributed by any number of enclosures 112,including all enclosures 112 on helicopter 204.

Referring now to FIG. 2b , a diagram illustrating a helicopter 204 sideview in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown.Helicopter 204 includes a spray boom 108 and one or more enclosures 112.As illustrated in FIG. 2b , enclosures 112 are not mounted at an angleto spray boom 108. Straight mounting of enclosures 112 provides optimaloperation for helicopter 204 applications of the present invention, andwill be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 4a and 4 b.

In the preferred embodiment, airplane 104 and helicopter 204 are able toapply the granular material 124 to 20 to 40 acres of target area 116without restocking the granular material 124 on the airplane 104 orhelicopter 204.

Referring now to FIG. 3a , a diagram illustrating a front isometric viewof an enclosure 112 without electric sifters 328 in accordance withembodiments of the present invention is shown. Enclosure 112 is a boxcontaining a top lid 304 and one or more bottom doors 320. Top lid 304is used to add granular material 124 to enclosure 112. Bottom doors 320are used to distribute granular material 124 to the target area 116.Therefore, the top lid 304 is used when the airplane 104 or helicopter204 is on the ground and being readied for granular material 124distribution operations, and the bottom doors 320 are used when theairplane 104 or helicopter 204 is aerially distributing the granularmaterial 124. In the preferred embodiment, top lid 304 is hinged toenclosure 112 with a piano hinge 324, and when closed the top lid 304 issecured to the enclosure 112 with Velcro. The piano hinge 324 may hingeat either the enclosure front 308 or the enclosure rear 316. In otherembodiments, piano hinge 324 is not present and top lid 304 is attachedto enclosure 112 through other types of fasteners.

Enclosure 112 includes enclosure sides 312 a, 312 b, enclosure front308, and enclosure rear 316. In the preferred embodiment, enclosure 112is constructed from aluminum sheet. In other embodiments, enclosure 112may be constructed from sheet steel, fiberglass, or various polymers orcomposites known in the art—including high-density polyethylene (HDPE).It should be understood that enclosure 112 may be subjected tosignificant vibration from engines, wind, and motors 604 used forgranular material 124 distribution. Therefore, the materials andfasteners used to construct enclosure 112 must be able to withstandexpected vibrations in the aerial distribution application. Enclosurefront 308 is attached to spray boom 108 using clamps or other forms ofmechanical attachment known in the art appropriate for the application.

Referring now to FIG. 3b , a diagram illustrating a side view of anenclosure 112 containing one or more electric sifters 328 with lid 304and bottom door 320 open in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention is shown. When mounted to a spray boom 108, enclosure 112requires remotely controlled apparatus to control aerial distribution ofgranular material 124.

An actuator 332 and corresponding bottom door 320 is provided for eachelectric sifter 328 in the enclosure 112. Actuator 332 controls a doorcontrol rod 336 flexibly connected to bottom door 320 through a flexiblecoupling 340. When actuator 332 is in a retracted or up position, doorcontrol rod 336 is pulled upward, closing bottom door 320. When actuator332 is in an extended or down position, door control rod 336 is pusheddownward, opening bottom door 320. Although not required in allembodiments, bottom door 320 keeps granular material 124 withinenclosure 112 until such time as bottom door 320 is opened by actuator332.

Actuator 332 may be any suitable actuator for extending and retractingdoor control rod 336, including servos, solenoids, hydraulic actuators,magnetic actuators, and air or gas pressure actuators 332. Door controlrod 336 is any rigid or semi-rigid lightweight rod that maintainsapproximate shape during any movement of door control rod 336, includingaluminum, steel, or synthetic rods. Flexible coupling 340 moves inresponse to drawer control rod 336 movement, and allows door control rod336 to exert normal force to bottom door 320 whether opening or closingbottom door 320. Bottom door 320 is hinged to enclosure 112 by doorpiano hinge 344 in order to allow bottom door 320 to open and close nearthe rear lower edge of enclosure 112.

Referring now to FIG. 4a , a diagram illustrating a side view of amounted enclosure 404 containing an electric sifter 328 with lid 304closed and door closed 320 a in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention is shown. Mounted enclosure 404 includes enclosure 112mounted to spray boom 108. Since spray boom 108 is also used forapplication of suitable liquids by aerial dispersal, spray boom 108includes a plurality of spray nozzles 408. Spray nozzles 408 areapproximately evenly distributed along spray boom 108, and are typicallynot used during application of granular material 124.

FIG. 4a illustrates enclosure 112 mounted at an angle to spray boom 108when an airplane 104 is used for distribution of granular material 124.Since airplane 104 is forward during level flight 412, it is necessaryto mount enclosure 128 to spray boom 108 at an angle in order tofacilitate distribution of granular material 124. As will be discussedin more detail with respect to FIGS. 8a and 8b , granular material 124passes through the first portion of the screen 804—which is orientedtoward the enclosure front 308 adjacent to the spray boom 108. However,for applications where a helicopter 204 is used to distribute thegranular material 124, enclosure 112 is not mounted at an angle as shownin FIGS. 4a and 4b . Instead, enclosure 112 is mounted straight asillustrated in FIG. 2b . The reason for this is that in forward flight412, the helicopter 204 is oriented nose-down and tail-up. Thisorientation tilts the enclosure 112 so that in forward flight, enclosure112 is angled appropriately and the granular material 124 is efficientlydistributed. Regardless of the type of aircraft 104, 204, the enclosure112 should be mounted 404 such that it is tilted as illustrated in FIG.4a, 4b when the aircraft 104, 204 is in forward flight. FIG. 4a alsoillustrates actuator 332 a in the retracted position, where the bottomdoor 320 a is in the closed position 320.

Referring now to FIG. 4b , a diagram illustrating a side view of amounted enclosure 404 containing an electric sifter 328 with lid 304closed and door open 320 b in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention is shown. FIG. 4b illustrates a mounted enclosure 404 duringthe time the granular material 124 is being distributed. Actuator 332 bis in an extended position, causing door control rod 336 to positionbottom door 320 b in an open position. Since bottom door 320 b is hingedby door piano hinge 344, it is necessary to provide door cutouts asshown in FIGS. 5a and 5b . Otherwise, air movement 420 would be blockedand not able to distribute granular material 124.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4b , bottom door 320 bhas a flange 416 to guide air movement 420 between the bottom of mountedenclosure 404 and the top surface of bottom door 320 b. The flange 416is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 5b . Granular material124 is dispersed in direction 424 from mounted enclosure 404.

Referring now to FIG. 5a , a diagram illustrating a door detail withoutflange 320 a in accordance with embodiments of the present invention isshown. Bottom door 320 a is formed from a flat section of sheetaluminum, steel, or a rigid synthetic material, including high densitypolyethylene (HDPE). The front portion of bottom door 320 a is attachedto enclosure 112 through a pair of door piano hinges 344. Door pianohinges 344 allow bottom door 320 a to pivot away from enclosure 112 whendistributing granular material 124. Each door piano hinge 344 has one ormore mounting holes 508. Any suitable fastener such as rivets or machinescrews may fasten door piano hinges 344 to bottom door 320 a enclosure112.

Bottom door 320 a has a cutout 504 along the front edge bottom door 320a to provide space through which air movement 420 is admitted, asdiscussed with respect to FIG. 3b . The size and shape of cutout 504depends on the airspeed at which airplane 104 or helicopter 204distributes the granular material 124. In the preferred embodiment, thecutout is approximately 3½ inches wide at the front edge of bottom door320 and approximately 1¾ inches deep.

Referring now to FIG. 5b , a diagram illustrating a door detail withflange 320 b in accordance with embodiments of the present invention isshown. Bottom door 320 b is an improvement over bottom door 320 a sincea flange 416 is provided as an air scoop to more efficiently move air420 into proximity with granular material 124 being distributed.Although many shapes and mounting arrangements may be provided forflange 416, a simple arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 5 b.

In one embodiment, flange 416 is part of the same sheet of material asbottom door 320 b, and is bent at approximately a 45° angle to bottomdoor 320 b at bend line 512. In this case, two separate cutouts 516 areprovided, one symmetrically on each side of flange 416. If the materialused to fabricate bottom door 320 b does not allow for flange 416 to bebent from the same material as the rest of bottom door 320 b, thenflange 416 may be fabricated from a different sheet of material ordifferent type of material as the rest of bottom door 320 b, andpermanently attached to bottom door 320 b by a suitable method. In thiscase, cutout 516 may be the same shape and size as cutout 504illustrated in FIG. 5 a.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrating details of an electricsifter 328 a in accordance with a first embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. Electric sifter 328 a is a modified form of ahandheld device commonly used for sifting flour and other bakingpowders. Prior to modification, electric sifter 328 a includes anactivation switch, one or more batteries, and an electric motor 604. Inthe preferred embodiment, the electric sifter 328 a is a Norpro electricsifter with a handle-mounted motor 604 that holds between 300 and 500grams of the granular material 124. Electric sifter 328 a is intendedfor mounting within an enclosure 112 mounted on an airplane 104 orhelicopter 204, where the enclosure 112 is equipped with a bottom door320 for each electric sifter 328 a within the enclosure 112.

Electric sifter 328 a is initially modified by removing the activationswitch and batteries from the electric sifter 328 a handle. Motorcontrol wires 608 from the motor 604 are extended and routed through thehole where the activation switch used to be. Electric sifter 328 a has ascreen 624 through which granular material 124 are sifted when the motor604 is activated. Motor 604 rotates one or more sifter sweeps 632 tocause the granular material 124 to be sifted through the screen 624. Inthe embodiment illustrated, three sifter sweeps 632 are present inelectric sifter 328 a. However, any number of sifter sweeps 632 may bepresent. Generally, the granular material 124 is therefore onlydistributed when the motor 604 is activated. The screen 624 is modifiedas shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b . Granular material is added 612 to electricsifter 328 a through the open top of electric sifter 328 a.

In order to facilitate reliable distribution of granular material 124,one or more springs 620 may be present on the interior sides of electricsifter 328 a. Springs 620 sympathetically vibrate with screen 624movement when the motor 604 is operating. The sympathetic vibrationcauses the granular material 124 to settle at the lowest point withinelectric sifter 328 a, resulting in uninterrupted and even distributionof granular material 124 from the electric sifter 328 a when the motor604 is activated. Springs 620 are installed in such a way to notinterfere with the sifting action provided by the motor 604. In thepreferred embodiment, the springs 620 are made from a corrosionresistant material such as stainless steel, and are under loose tensionallowing free vibration.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more sonar or optical sensors 616 areinstalled within a top inside surface of electric sifter 328 a, in orderto detect when the level of granular material 124 within the electricsifter 328 a is at or near the bottom of the electric sifter 328 a.Sonar or optical sensor 616 provides a granular material level sensoroutput 628 to the circuit 908. When the circuit 908 detects the presenceof the granular material level sensor output 628, the circuit 908provides feedback to an operator or application program so that anoperator or application program may take appropriate action, includinginactivating motor 604, closing a door 320 corresponding to the electricsifter 328 a, activating a motor 604 of a different electric sifter 328,opening a door 320 corresponding to the different electric sifter 328,or guiding an aircraft 104, 204, 1104 in a different direction such asto an airport or landing strip to refill granular material 124 in theelectric sifters 328. In lieu of sonar or optical sensors 616, theoperator may visually check for the presence of granular material 124being distributed by the aircraft 104, 204, 1104. In some embodiments,the aircraft pilot is the operator. In other embodiments, a differentindividual is the operator.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a diagram illustrating details of an electricsifter 328 b in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. Electric sifter 328 b is of a more compactarrangement than electric sifter 328 a. The motor 604 is within ahousing 704 centered within the lower portion of electric sifter 328 b.After removing a handle containing an activation switch and batteries,motor control wires 608 are routed outside of electric sifter 328 b to acircuit 908. In the preferred embodiment, electric sifter 328 b is aNorpro Model 104 battery-operated electric sifter. In the preferredembodiment. electric sifter 328 b is intended for mounting beneath aremotely-piloted aircraft 1104, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

A top lid 712 is fabricated out of a suitable material, includingHigh-density polyethylene (HDPE). The top lid 712 in some embodiments asa sonar or optical sensor 616 attached to the bottom surface of the toplid 712, and the granular material level sensor output 628 is routedthrough a hole in the top lid 712. The top lid 712 is coupled to thehousing 704 of the electric sifter 328 b by a lid spring 708. The lidspring 708 provides spring force 716 to push the top lid 712 from thetop surface of the electric sifter 328 b. Therefore, when the top lid712 is attached to the electric sifter 328 b, the lid spring 708 is incompression and tabs in the top lid 712 remain engaged in mating slotsnear the top of the electric sifter 328 b.

In order to add granular material 124 to the electric sifter 328 b, theelectric sifter 328 b is disengaged from the top lid 712 and thegranular material 124 is poured in through the top of the electricsifter 328 b. Electric sifter 328 b has a screen 624 on the bottomsurface of the electric sifter 328 b. Motor 604 rotates one or moresifter sweeps 632 to cause the granular material 124 to be siftedthrough the screen 624. In the embodiment illustrated, three siftersweeps 632 are present in electric sifter 328 a. However, any number ofsifter sweeps 632 may be present. Generally, the granular material 124is therefore only distributed when the motor 604 is activated.

Referring now to FIG. 8a , a diagram illustrating a sifter screen 624 ain accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.Sifter screen 624 a includes a screen first portion 804 a and a screensecond portion 808 a. In the first embodiment, the screen first portion804 a is a pie-shaped section and is oriented toward the front of theaircraft 816.

The screen first portion 804 a is a wire mesh screen of sufficient sizeto allow individual granules of granular material 124 to pass throughholes of the screen first portion 804 a. For example, when the granularmaterial 124 is pollen mixed with cornstarch and/or Sureset, it willhave different flow characteristics than pollen alone or flour or bakingpowders due to different moisture content and granule size. In thepreferred embodiment, a screen of 6 to 8 meshes (6 to 8 regularly-spacedopenings per inch) is used for the screen first portion 804 a.

The screen second portion 808 a is a finer pitched portion of screen 624a than the screen first portion 804 a, and prevents passage of thegranular material 124 through the screen second portion 808 a. Forexample, when the granular material 124 is pollen mixed with cornstarchand/or Sureset, the screen second portion 808 a can be the remainingportion of the original screen 624 a provided with the unmodifiedelectric sifter 328. In the preferred embodiment, the screen firstportion 804 a has less area then the screen second portion 808 a, and ascreen of 20 to 22 meshes is used for the screen second portion 808 a.

In order to attach the screen first portion 804 a to the screen secondportion 808 a, safety wire 812 is used. Safety wire 812 is any suitablesemi-rigid wire that may attach screen first portion 804 a to screensecond portion 808 a and resist corrosion. In the preferred embodiment,safety wire 812 is 0.032 thick solid stainless steel wire.

Referring now to FIG. 8b , a diagram illustrating a sifter screen 624 bin accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Sifterscreen 624 b includes a screen first portion 804 b and a screen secondportion 808 b. In the second embodiment, the screen first portion 804 bis front linear section and is oriented toward the front of the aircraft816. The size of the screen first portion 804 b may be about a minimumof 10% of the screen 624 b, and in the preferred embodiment is about ⅓of the total area of the screen 624 b. In the preferred embodiment, ascreen of 6 to 8 meshes (6 to 8 regularly-spaced openings per inch) isused for the screen first portion 804 b.

The screen first portion 804 b is a wire mesh screen of sufficient sizeto allow individual granules of granular material 124 to pass throughholes of the screen first portion 804 b. For example, when the granularmaterial 124 is pollen mixed with cornstarch and/or Sureset, it willhave different flow characteristics than flour for baking powders due todifferent moisture content and granule size.

The screen second portion 808 b is a finer pitched portion of screen 624b than the screen first portion 804 b, and prevents passage of thegranular material 124 through the screen second portion 808 b. Forexample, when the granular material 124 is pollen mixed with cornstarchand/or Sureset, the screen second portion 808 b can be the remainingportion of the original screen 624 b provided with the unmodifiedelectric sifter 328. In the preferred embodiment, a screen of 20 to 22openings per inch is used for the screen second portion 808 b.

In order to attach the screen first portion 804 b to the screen secondportion 808 b, safety wire 812 is used. Safety wire 812 is any suitableflexible wire that may attach screen first portion 804 b to screensecond portion 808 b and resist corrosion. In the preferred embodiment,safety wire 812 is 0.032 thick solid stainless steel wire.

The size of the screen first portion 804 a, 804 b relative to the totalsize of the screen 624 a, 624 b is related to forward airspeed and flowrate of the granular material 124 through the screen first portion 804a, 804 b. In the preferred embodiment, the screen first portion 804 a,804 b is approximately ⅓ of the total area of the screen 624, for aforward airspeed of about 40 miles per hour. That corresponds to allgranular material 124 being distributed from an electric sifter 328 inabout 35-50 seconds. For a faster forward airspeed than 40 miles perhour, the area of the screen first portion 804 a, 804 b should beincreased above ⅓ of the total area of screen 624 a, 624 b. For a slowerforward airspeed than 40 miles per hour, the area of the screen firstportion 804 a, 804 b should be decreased below ⅓ of the total area ofscreen 624 a, 624 b.

It should be noted that the shape, size, and orientation of the screenfirst portion 804 a, 804 b and screen second portion 808 a, 808 b may bedifferent than illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b without deviating from thescope of the present invention. Additionally, the screen second portion808 a, 808 b may be a solid section of metal or synthetic plate and nota screen mesh made of interwoven wires as illustrated. The screen secondportion 808 a, 808 b is intended to block passage of the granularmaterial 124 through the screen 624 a, 624 b-therefore, a solid sectionof metal or synthetic plate would suffice for that purpose.

Referring now to FIG. 9a , a block diagram illustrating a granularmaterial 124 dispersal apparatus in accordance with a first embodimentof the present invention is shown. The granular material 124 dispersalapparatus includes an operator interface 904 a, which allows an operatorto control the motor 916 and an actuator 920, if present. The operatorinterface 904 a in some embodiments receives feedback that a sonar oroptical sensor 616 indicates a sifter empty condition 928. Although onlyone motor on/off control 916, door open/close control 920, and sifterempty indication 928 is illustrated in FIG. 9a , it should be understoodthat a set of each control 916, 920 and indication 928 would normally beprovided for each electric sifter 328 and bottom door 320 on theaircraft 104, 204, 1104.

Operator interface 904 a is coupled to a circuit 908 a, which generatesactuator control 924 to an actuator 332 and motor control 608 to a motor604 of an electric sifter 328. Circuit 908 a also receives a granularmaterial level sensor output 628 from a sonar or optical sensor 616 ofthe electric sifter 328, and responsibly generates sifter emptyindication 928 to the operator interface 904 a. The embodimentillustrated in FIG. 9a would be commonly used where the distributingaircraft is an airplane 104 or helicopter 204, where cable assembliesinterconnect the operator interface 904 a to the circuit 908 a.

Circuit 908 a receives power from one or more power sources 912. Powersources 912 provide one or more forms of DC power 936 to circuit 908 a.In one embodiment, power sources 912 provide +5 Volts DC and +1.5 VoltsDC to circuit 908 a from battery sources. In other embodiments, powersources 912 convert other AC or DC power of airplane 104 or helicopter204 into required DC voltages to operate circuit 908 a.

Referring now to FIG. 9b , a block diagram illustrating a granularmaterial 124 dispersal apparatus in accordance with a second embodimentof the present invention is shown. FIG. 9b is similar to FIG. 9a withthe exception of a wireless connection between the operator interface904 b and the circuit 908 b. Specifically, the operator interface 904 bis a wireless transceiver capable of sending and/or receiving wirelessmotor and door control commands and sifter empty indication 932 to andfrom circuit 908 b.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9b could be used in conjunction withaircraft 104 or helicopter 204 to eliminate control wiring between theoperator interface 904 b and the circuit 908 b, especially when thecircuit 908 b is located away from the operator and in proximity to anyof enclosures 112 on the aircraft. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9bwould be the preferred embodiment when the aircraft is a remotelypiloted aircraft 1104 as illustrated and described with respect to FIG.11. Enclosure 112 and sonar or optical sensor 616 is illustrated usingdashed lines to indicate optional inclusion in FIGS. 9a and 9 b.

Referring now to FIG. 10a , a block diagram illustrating a circuit 908 ausing wired control in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention is shown. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10a correspondsto the block diagram illustrated in FIG. 9 a.

Operator interface 904 a includes switches for each motor on/off, eachdoor open/closed, and optionally each sifter empty indication. Circuit908 a includes a motor relay 1008 for each motor 604, and an actuatorrelay 1012 for each actuator 332. Motor relays 1008 are controlled bymotor on/off of operator interface 904 a, and motor relay power isprovided by DC power 936 from power sources 912. Each motor relay 1008produces a corresponding motor control 608 to each motor 604.

Actuator relays 1012 are controlled by door open/closed of operatorinterface 904 a, an actuator relay power is provided by DC power 936from power sources 912. Each actuator relay 1012 produces acorresponding actuator control 924 to each actuator 332.

Referring now to FIG. 10b , a block diagram illustrating a circuit 908 busing wireless control in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention is shown. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10b represents aconsiderably more complex control apparatus than the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 10a . Operator interface 904 b communicates wirelessmotor and door control commands and sifter empty indication 928 to/froma wireless transceiver 1020 of circuit 908 b.

Wireless transceiver 1020 converts data and commands from wired digitaldomain commands within circuit 908 b into wireless RF data and commands928. Wireless transceiver 1020 converts wireless motor and door controlcommands 928 into motor and door control commands 1040 to processor1024, and activate sifter empty indicator 1044 into wireless sifterempty indication 928 to wireless operator interface 904 b.

Circuit 908 b includes a CPU, or processor 1024, which executes storedprograms in a memory 1028. The stored programs include an operatingsystem 1032 and in some embodiments, an uploaded program 1036. Processor1024 includes any processing device suitable for executing storedprograms, such as Intel x86-compatible processors, embedded processors,mobile processors, and/or RISC processors. Processor 1024 may includeseveral devices including memory controllers, North Bridge devices,and/or South Bridge devices.

Processor 1024 is coupled to memory 1028. Memory 1028 may include bothnon-volatile memory and volatile memory. The memory 1028 includesfirmware which includes an operating system that processor 1024 fetchesand executes, including program instructions for the processes of thepresent invention. Examples of non-volatile forms of memory 1028include, but are not limited to, flash memory, SD, EPROM, EEPROM, harddisks, and NOVRAM. Volatile forms of memory 1028 stores various datastructures and temporary data and variables. Examples of volatile memory1028 include, but are not limited to, SRAM, DDR RAM, DDR2 RAM, DDR3 RAM,Z-RAM, TTRAM, A-RAM, ETA RAM, and other forms of temporary memory.

In some embodiments, memory 1028 includes an uploaded program 1036.Uploaded program 1036 provides automated control of the motor relays1008 and actuator relays 1012 under processor 1024 control. For example,processor 1024 may receive aircraft and weather information 1048 fromother sensors on the aircraft 104, 204, 1140. Aircraft and weatherinformation 1048 may include any of aircraft speed, position, height,wind speed/direction information, GPS position information, or weatherinformation. Uploaded program 1036 utilizes aircraft and weatherinformation 1048 to determine when to activate and inactivate motor(s)604 and/or actuator(s) 332. Uploaded program 1036 in some embodimentsdetermines when all granular material 124 has been distributed by theaircraft 104, 204, 1104, or when all electric sifters 328 on theaircraft 104, 204, 1104 are empty. In other embodiments, uploadedprogram 1036 directs other programs and circuits of the aircraft 1104 toland the aircraft 1104 at a designated location when missionrequirements have been met. Mission requirements include granularmaterial 124 has been distributed on all target areas 116, the aircraft104, 204, 1104 has no more granular material 124 available todistribute, or the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 requires fuel or maintenance.

It should be understood that circuit 908 may be functionally organizedin countless different functional organizations and architectureswithout diverting from the scope or operation of the present invention.Also, it should be noted that the wireless control functionalityillustrated in FIGS. 9b and 10b may be used for the simple circuit 908 aof FIG. 10a or the complex circuit 908 b of FIG. 10b , and the wiredcontrol functionality illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 10a may be used forthe simple circuit 908 a of FIG. 10a or the complex circuit 908 b ofFIG. 10 b.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a diagram illustrating a remotely pilotedaircraft 1104 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention isshown. As described herein, the term “aircraft” includes mannedairplanes 104 and helicopters 204, in addition to unmannedremotely-piloted aircraft 1104. Remotely-piloted aircraft 1104 may flyunder direction of a ground-based operator using a wireless transceiveroperator interface 904 b, or autonomously or semi-autonomously using anuploaded program 1036.

Although remotely-piloted aircraft 1104 in some embodiments is a remotecontrol fixed-wing airplane or blimp/balloon/glider, in the preferredembodiment the remotely-piloted aircraft 1104 is a rotorcraft such as aremotely-piloted helicopter 1104. In the preferred embodiment, theremotely-piloted aircraft 1104 is a multiple-rotor aircraft such as anArducopter 3DR Hexa C produced by 3D Robotics and available fromhttp://www.udrones.com, where each of multiple rotors 1108 are outboardfrom a central chassis 1124.

Remotely-piloted aircraft 1104 includes a remotely-piloted aircraftcentral control 1112, which controls each of the rotors 1108 andcorresponding propulsion motors and sensors on the remotely-pilotedaircraft 1104. The sensors may include one or more cameras, airspeedsensors, GPS receivers, altitude sensors, or fuel sensors for the motorscontrolling each of the rotors 1108.

The remotely-piloted aircraft 1104 includes a remotely-piloted aircraftpayload 1120 and a payload power source and relays 1116.Remotely-piloted aircraft payload 1120 may be an electric sifter 328such as electric sifter 328 b illustrated in FIG. 7, or a beneficialinsect distribution device 1120 illustrated in FIG. 12. Payload powersource and relays 1116 includes power sources 912, circuit 908, andrelays 1008 and 1012.

Beneficial insects aid fruit production by limiting or eliminatingpopulations of harmful insects in orchards and areas where crops arebeing grown. For example, beneficial insects include bees, wasps,predatory mites, and parasitic nematodes.

A remotely-piloted aircraft 1104 has advantages for beneficial insectdistribution over conventional airplanes 104 or helicopters 204.Airplanes 104 have a forward airspeed considerably higher thanhelicopters 204, and must fly above a stall speed in order to remainairborne. Helicopters 204 at all times while airborne producesignificant turbulence from rotor wash 208. The higher kinetic energydue to airplane 104 airspeed and helicopter rotor wash 208 may damagedelicate wings of beneficial insects, resulting in ineffectiveapplication of beneficial insects. The remotely-piloted aircraft 1104illustrated in FIG. 11 has significantly less kinetic energy—whichminimizes air turbulence and allows safer release of beneficial insects.

Referring now to FIG. 12a , a diagram illustrating a beneficial insectdistribution device 1120 a in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 ais mounted below a remotely-piloted aircraft 1104, and selectivelyreleases beneficial insects 1256. Although only a single beneficialinsect distribution device 1120 is illustrated in FIG. 11, it should beunderstood that the present invention includes any number of beneficialinsect distribution devices 1120 associated with a remotely-pilotedaircraft 1104. It should also be understood that if multiple beneficialinsect distribution devices 1120 are present on the sameremotely-piloted aircraft 1104, each of the beneficial insectdistribution devices 1120 may be operated either concurrently orindependently, in any combination. This may allow for a denserdistribution of beneficial insects 1256 when operated concurrently, orelse greater coverage area of beneficial insects 1256 if operatedindependently and/or sequentially.

Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 a includes a lid 1204 and abottom surface 1208. A center support 1248 provides internal structuralintegrity between the lid 1204 and the bottom surface 1208. Bottomsurface 1208 includes a door 1216 for each chamber 1252. Beneficialinsect distribution device 1120 a may include any number of chambers1252. Multiple chambers 1252 may be desirable if distributing beneficialinsects 1256 over multiple non-contiguous areas where different chambers1252 correspond to different areas. Each door 1216 is individuallyopened and closed by a control rod 1224 coupled to an actuator 332.Control rods 1224 are rigid members that transfer directional force toeach door 1216. Actuators 332 are controlled by circuit 908 a, 908 b,and power is supplied by battery pack 1240, which is included in powersources 912.

Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 a is constructed of a rigidmaterial such as aluminum sheet, steel sheet, or a synthetic materialsuch as ABS plastic or carbon fibers. Alternatively, the beneficialinsect distribution device is constructed from PVA and PLA plastics. PVAis a low temperature water-soluble thermoplastic, but is generally moreexpensive than ABS plastic material. PLA is a moreenvironmentally-friendly material that can be biodegradable depending onhow it is disposed of. PLA melts at a lower temperature and is lessexpensive than ABS plastic material. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12a , four chambers 1252 are present. Each of the chambers 1252 areindependent from other chambers 1252 of the same beneficial insectdistribution device 1120 a, and beneficial insects 1256 in one chamber1252 are prevented from moving to any other chamber 1252. Chambers 1252are separated from each other by a chamber divider 1260.

Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 a as illustrated in FIG. 12ais modified from electric sifter 328 b illustrated in FIG. 7. Many ofthe features discussed herein, such as housing 1220, are present inelectric sifter 328 b but may not be present in other embodiments. Anysuitable device with one or more chambers 1252 and the ability toindependently load and distribute beneficial insects 1256 to/from eachchamber 1252 is appropriate for use as a beneficial insect distributiondevice 1120 a. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12a , thedistribution apparatus itself includes the sifter doors 1216, controlrods 1224, and sifter door actuators 1212.

Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 a includes at least oneloading port 1232 for each chamber 1252. Loading ports 1232 are used toadd beneficial insects 1244 to chambers 1252. In order to keep loadedbeneficial insects 1256 from escaping from a chamber 1252 after beingloaded to the chamber 1252, a resilient patch 1236 is placed overloading ports 1232. Resilient patch 1236 in the preferred embodiment isVelcro, but in other embodiments is any material that provides atemporary seal for loading port 1232 such as tape or a rubber plug.

In the preferred embodiment, the beneficial insect distribution device1120 a includes one or more optional vibration motors 604, which arecontrolled by circuits 908 a, 908 b, and vibrate structural surfaces ofthe beneficial insect distribution device 1120 a and cause thebeneficial insects 1256 to leave the chamber 1252 when the correspondingdoor 1216 is open. In one embodiment, vibration motor 604 is activatedwhen a door 1216 is open. In another embodiment, vibration motor 604 isactivated under operator control 904 a, 904 b. In the preferredembodiment, vibration motor 604 is a cell phone vibrator.

Because the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12a has doors 1216 to allowbeneficial insects 1256 to escape the beneficial insect distributiondevice 1120 a, it is not expected that a motor 604 that operates one ormore sifter sweeps 632 would be needed. It is understood that beneficialinsects 1256 naturally fly toward sunlight, and would therefore leavethe beneficial insect distribution device 1120 a when the sifter door1216 is open. However, some embodiments may include the presence ofsifter doors 1216, motor 604, and sifter sweeps 632 activated by themotor 604.

Referring now to FIG. 12b , a diagram illustrating a beneficial insectdistribution device 1120 b in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 bis mounted below a remotely-piloted aircraft 1104, and selectivelyreleases beneficial insects 1256, seeds, or granular material 124.Although only a single beneficial insect distribution device 1120 isillustrated in FIG. 11, it should be understood that the presentinvention includes any number of beneficial insect distribution devices1120 associated with a remotely-piloted aircraft 1104. It should also beunderstood that if multiple beneficial insect distribution devices 1120are present on the same remotely-piloted aircraft 1104, each of thebeneficial insect distribution devices 1120 may be operated eitherconcurrently or independently, in any combination. This may allow for adenser distribution of a beneficial insect mixture 1268 when operatedconcurrently, or else greater coverage area of the beneficial insectmixture 1268 if operated independently and/or sequentially.

Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 b is useful for the releaseof a beneficial insect mixture 1268 that in the conventional art isdispersed by a blower using a carrier substrate typically includingsawdust or ground plant material. In most cases, the beneficial insectmixture 1268 is in the form of either eggs or larvae. The eggs or larvaereside on or within the carrier substrate.

Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 b includes a lid 1204 and abottom surface 1208. A center support 1248 provides internal structuralintegrity between the lid 1204 and the bottom surface 1208. Bottomsurface 1208 includes a screen 1264. Screen 1264 allows beneficialinsect mixture 1268 to leave the beneficial insect distribution device1120 b through the screen 1264 when the motor 604 is activated.Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 b does not include doors1216, and therefore does not include actuator 332 or control rods 1224.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12b , the distribution apparatusincludes the screen 1264, motor 604, and sifter sweeps 632.

In some embodiments, beneficial insect distribution device 1120 bincludes one or more optional vibration motors 604, which may promoteadditional throughput of the beneficial insect mixture 1268 from thebeneficial insect distribution device 1120 b. The vibration motors 604are controlled by circuits 908 a, 908 b, and vibrate structural surfacesof the beneficial insect distribution device 1120 b; thereby causing thebeneficial insect mixture 1268 to drop from the chamber 1252 when thevibration motors 604 are activated by circuit 908 a, 908 b. In thepreferred embodiment, vibration motors 604 are cell phone vibrators.

Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 b is constructed of a rigidmaterial such as aluminum sheet, steel sheet, or a synthetic materialsuch as ABS plastic or carbon fibers. Alternatively, the beneficialinsect distribution device is constructed from PVA and PLA plastics. PVAis a low temperature water-soluble thermoplastic, but is generally moreexpensive than ABS plastic material. PLA is a moreenvironmentally-friendly material that can be biodegradable depending onhow it is disposed of PLA melts at a lower temperature and is lessexpensive than ABS plastic material. The beneficial insect distributiondevice 1120 b includes at least one chamber 1252 for storing thebeneficial insect mixture 1268. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.12b , one chamber 1252 is present. Therefore, no chamber dividers 1260are required, or present. In other embodiments, any number of chambers1252 may be present. However, without doors 1216 present, multiplechambers 1252 are superfluous.

Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 b as illustrated in FIG. 12bis modified from electric sifter 328 b illustrated in FIG. 7. Many ofthe features discussed herein, such as housing 1220, are present inelectric sifter 328 b but may not be present in other embodiments. Anysuitable device with one or more chambers 1252 and the ability toindependently load and distribute beneficial insects 1256 to/from eachchamber 1252 is appropriate for use as a beneficial insect distributiondevice 1120 b.

Beneficial insect distribution device 1120 b includes at least oneloading port 1232 for each chamber 1252. Loading ports 1232 are used toadd the beneficial insect mixture 1268 to chambers 1252. In order tokeep the loaded beneficial insect mixture 1268 from escaping from achamber 1252 after being loaded to the chamber 1252, a resilient patch1236 is placed over loading ports 1232. Resilient patch 1236 in thepreferred embodiment is Velcro, but in other embodiments is any materialthat provides a temporary seal for loading port 1232 such as tape or arubber plug. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12b , two loadingports 1232 are shown.

Because the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12b has a motor 604 thatoperates one or more sifter sweeps 632 to allow a beneficial insectmixture 1268 to escape the beneficial insect distribution device 1120 b,it is not expected that doors 1216 would be needed. However, someembodiments may include the presence of sifter doors 1216, motor 604,and sifter sweeps 632 activated by the motor 604.

Referring now to FIG. 13a , a diagram illustrating an inside surface ofa beneficial insect distribution device lid 1204 in accordance withembodiments of the present invention is shown. Lid 1204 includes amounting location for center support 1248, which mechanically coupleslid 1204 to bottom surface 1208. Lid 1204 also includes an actuator 332for each chamber 1252 of the beneficial insect distribution device 1120a.

Referring now to FIG. 13b , a diagram illustrating an inside bottomsurface 1208 of a beneficial insect distribution device 1120 a inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown. Bottomsurface 1208 includes a door 1216 for each chamber 1252 of thebeneficial insect distribution device 1120 a. Bottom surface 1208 alsoincludes a mounting location for center support 1248, which mechanicallycouples lid 1204 to bottom surface 1208.

Each door 1216 of the bottom surface 1208 is individually hinged 1308 inorder to open any door 1216 separate from any other door 1216. In thepreferred embodiment, hinges 1308 are located near the periphery of thebottom surface 1208, and the doors open downward and outward. Each ofthe control rods 1224 is mechanically coupled to each door 1216 at acontrol rod attachment point 1304. In the preferred embodiment, aflexible coupling attaches each control rod 1224 to control rodattachment point 1304 in order to allow for door 1216 movement withoutplacing stress on control rods 1224.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a flowchart illustrating a granular material124 distribution process in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention is shown. Prior to the granular material 124 distributionprocess, in some embodiments it is beneficial to apply a 10% Boronmixture 7 to 10 days before pollination as it helps to prepare flowers120 to receive a pollen mixture (pollen and cornstarch and/or Sureset,or pollen only) and time is needed to absorb the material and grow/pushthe bloom in that direction. The 10% Boron mixture helps to straightenand grow the pollen tube on the flowers 120. The 10% Boron mixture alsomakes the part of the flowers 120 that becomes the stem stronger—so ifthere is a larger fruit set, helps the tree hold the fruit. However, insome embodiments, the 10% Boron mixture is optional as it may be harmfulto certain plants.

In some embodiments, the 10% Boron mixture can be applied with a beeattractant, but these are normally applied as a liquid mixture. In thepreferred embodiment, the 10% Boron and bee attractant mixture isapplied early in the bloom and then starting in mid-bloom, 1-3applications of the pollen mixture are made. Flow begins at block 1404.

At block 1404, an aircraft 104, 204, 1104 approaches a target area 116and aligns with a desired distribution pattern at a desired airspeed andheight. For example, the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 orients along the edgeof a target area 116 and centered within a first strip of the targetarea 116. Flow proceeds to block 1408.

At block 1408, an operator manipulates a control to open a door 920corresponding to a first electric sifter 328 of a distribution device112. The control to open the door 920 corresponding to the firstelectric sifter 328 causes an actuator relay 1012 to energize, thusproviding DC power 936 to an actuator 332 corresponding to a firstelectric sifter 328. In some embodiments, an enclosure 112 andcorresponding door 320 is not present, and this step is skipped. Flowproceeds to block 1412.

At block 1412, when the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 is at the initialdistribution point, the operator manipulates a control to turn on afirst electric sifter motor 916 and begin granular material 124distribution. The control to turn on the first electric sifter motor 916causes a motor relay 1008 to energize, thus providing DC power 936 to amotor 604 of a first electric sifter 328. Flow proceeds to block 1416.

At block 1416, the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 distributes the granularmaterial 124 from the first electric sifter 328. The granular material124 is distributed to the target area 116. Flow proceeds to decisionblock 1420.

At decision block 1420, the operator or uploaded program 1036 determinesif the first electric sifter 328 is empty. In one embodiment, theoperator looks into the top of the first electric sifter 328 to see ifit is empty. In another embodiment, a sonar or optical sensor 616 in thefirst electric sifter 328 generates a granular material level sensoroutput 628 in response to the first electric sifter 328 being empty ornearly so. The granular material level sensor output 628 generates asifter empty indication to the operator interface 904. In yet anotherembodiment, the granular material level sensor output 628 causes theuploaded program 1036 to generate a sifter empty indication to theoperator interface 904. In yet another embodiment, the granular materiallevel sensor output 628 causes the uploaded program 1036 to cause aremotely-piloted aircraft 1104 to land at a predetermined location. Ifthe first electric sifter 328 is not empty, then flow proceeds todecision block 1420. If the first electric sifter 328 is empty, thenflow proceeds to block 1424.

At block 1424, the operator manipulates a control to turn off the firstelectric sifter motor 916. The motor 604 of the first electric sifter328 is inactivated and the first electric sifter 328 does not continueto distribute granular material 124. Flow proceeds to block 1428.

At block 1428, the operator manipulates a control to close the door 920corresponding to the first electric sifter 328 of the distributiondevice 112. The control to close the door 920 corresponding to the firstelectric sifter 328 causes an actuator relay 1012 to de-energize, thusremoving DC power 936 from an actuator 332 corresponding to a firstelectric sifter 328. In some embodiments, an enclosure 112 andcorresponding door 320 is not present, and this step is skipped. Flowproceeds to decision block 1432.

At decision block 1432, the operator or uploaded program 1036 determinesif additional electric sifters 328, beyond the first electric sifter328, are available. A given aircraft 104, 204, 1104 may have no, one, ormultiple electric sifters 328 available. If no additional electricsifters 328 are available, then flow ends. The aircraft 104, 204, 1104typically is controlled to return to a predesignated position on theground to refill the electric sifters 328. If more electric sifters 328are available, then flow proceeds to block 1436.

At block 1436, the operator manipulates a control to open the door 920corresponding to the additional electric sifter 328 of the distributiondevice 112. The control to open the door 920 corresponding to theadditional electric sifter 328 causes an actuator relay 1012 toenergize, thus providing DC power 936 to an actuator 332 correspondingto the additional electric sifter 328. In some embodiments, an enclosure112 and corresponding door 320 is not present, and this step is skipped.Flow proceeds to block 1440.

At block 1440, the operator manipulates a control to turn on anadditional electric sifter motor 916 and continue granular material 124distribution. The control to turn on the additional electric siftermotor 916 causes a motor relay 1008 to energize, thus providing DC power936 to a motor 604 of the additional electric sifter 328. Flow proceedsto block 1444.

At block 1444, the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 distributes the granularmaterial 124 from the additional electric sifter 328. The granularmaterial 124 is distributed to the target area 116. Flow proceeds todecision block 1420, to check if the additional electric sifter 328 isempty.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a flowchart illustrating a beneficial insect1256 distribution process in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. Flow begins at block 1504.

At block 1504, an aircraft 104, 204, 1104 approaches a target area 116and aligns with a desired distribution pattern at a desired airspeed andheight. For example, the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 orients along the edgeof a target area 116 and centered within a first strip of the targetarea 116. Flow proceeds to block 1508.

At block 1508, the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 is at the initialdistribution point, and distribution of beneficial insects 1256 is readyto begin. Flow proceeds to block 1512.

At block 1512, the operator manipulates a control to open a door 1216corresponding to a first chamber 1252 of a multiple chamber distributiondevice 1120 or a door 1216 of a first distribution device 1120. Eachchamber 1252 of a multiple chamber distribution device 1120 contains afixed number of beneficial insects 1256, which may only leave thechamber 1252 when the door 1216 is open. Flow proceeds to block 1516.

At block 1516, the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 distributes beneficialinsects 1256 from the first chamber 1252 of a multiple chamberdistribution device 1120 or a first distribution device 1120. Flowproceeds to decision block 1520.

At decision block 1520, the operator or uploaded program 1036 determinesif the first chamber 1252 or the first distribution device 1120 isempty. In one embodiment, the operator looks into the top of the firstchamber 1252 or first distribution device 1120 to see if it is empty. Inanother embodiment, the operator sees if beneficial insects 1256 arecontinuing to be distributed from the first chamber 1252 or firstdistribution device 1120. If the first chamber 1252 or firstdistribution device 1120 is not empty, then flow proceeds to decisionblock 1520. If the first chamber 1252 or first distribution device 1120is empty, then flow proceeds to block 1524.

At block 1524, the operator manipulates a control to close a doorcorresponding to the first chamber 1252 of a multiple chamberdistribution device 1120 or a door 1216 of a first distribution device1120. Each chamber 1252 of a multiple chamber distribution device 1120contains a fixed number of beneficial insects 1256, which may only leavethe chamber 1252 when the door 1216 is open. Flow proceeds to decisionblock 1528.

At decision block 1528, the operator or uploaded program 1036 determinesif additional chambers 1252 or beneficial insect distribution devices1120, beyond the first chamber 1252 or beneficial insect distributiondevice 1120, are available. A given aircraft 104, 204, 1104 may have no,one, or multiple beneficial insect distribution devices 1120, oradditional chambers 1252, still containing more beneficial insects 1256.If no additional chambers 1252 or beneficial insect distribution devices1120 are available, then flow ends. If more additional chambers 1252 orbeneficial insect distribution devices 1120 are available, then flowproceeds to block 1532.

At block 1532, the operator manipulates a control to open a door 1216corresponding to a next chamber 1252 of a multiple chamber distributiondevice 1120 or a door 1216 of a next distribution device 1120. Eachchamber 1252 of a multiple chamber distribution device 1120 contains afixed number of beneficial insects 1256, which may only leave thechamber 1252 when the door 1216 is open. Flow proceeds to block 1536.

At block 1536, the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 distributes beneficialinsects 1256 from the next chamber 1252 of a multiple chamberdistribution device 1120 or the next distribution device 1120. Flowproceeds to decision block 1520 to check for a next chamber 1252 or nextdistribution device 1120 containing beneficial insects.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a flowchart illustrating a materialdistribution process in accordance with the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. Flow begins at block 1604.

At block 1604, an aircraft 104, 204, 1104 approaches a target area 116and aligns with a desired distribution pattern at a desired airspeed andheight. For example, the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 orients along the edgeof a target area 116 and centered within a first strip of the targetarea 116. Flow proceeds to block 1608.

At block 1608, the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 is at the initialdistribution point, and distribution of granular material, beneficialinsects 1256, or a beneficial insect mixture 1268 is ready to begin.Flow proceeds to block 1612.

At block 1612, the operator manipulates a control to activate one ormore motors 604 or open a sifter door 1216 of a distribution device 1120a,1120 b. Granular material 124, beneficial insects 1256, or abeneficial insect mixture 1268 leave the distribution device 1120 a,1120 b when the one or more motors 604 are activated or a sifter door1216 is opened. Flow proceeds to block 1616.

At block 1616, the aircraft 104, 204, 1104 distributes the granularmaterial, beneficial insects 1256, or a beneficial insect mixture 1268from the distribution device 1120 a, 1120 b. Flow proceeds to block1620.

At block 1620, the operator manipulates a control to inactivate one ormore motors 604 or close a sifter door 1216 of the distribution device1120 a, 1120 b. Granular material 124, beneficial insects 1256, or abeneficial insect mixture 1268 do not leave the distribution device 1120a, 1120 b when the one or more motors 604 are inactivated or the sifterdoor 1216 is closed. It should be noted that steps 1604-1620 may berepeated for multiple distribution areas, and in such cases less thanall of the granular material 124, beneficial insects 1256, or thebeneficial insect mixture 1268 is distributed in each area.

Finally, those skilled in the art should appreciate that they canreadily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiments as a basisfor designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A device, comprising: one or more electric siftersexternally mounted to an aircraft and configured to store a payload,each electric sifter comprising: a loading port to add the payload; anda distribution apparatus to distribute the payload when the aircraft isairborne; a processor; and a memory, coupled to the processor,comprising: an uploaded program, configured to control the aircraft andthe device, wherein the uploaded program directs the aircraft to land ata designated location in response to a payload of a designated one ofthe one or more electric sifters reaching a predetermined level, inresponse to the device receives a command to activate the distributionapparatus, the distribution apparatus distributes the payload from thedevice.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the uploaded program providesthe command.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the payload comprises oneor more of a powdered and a granular material.
 4. The device of claim 1,wherein the distribution apparatus comprises: a plurality of sifterdoors; a control rod coupled to each door of the plurality of sifterdoors; and a sifter door actuator coupled to each of the control rods,wherein each sifter door actuator is coupled to an opposite end of thecontrol rod from the plurality of sifter doors, wherein the uploadedprogram independently controls each sifter door actuator, wherein thesifter door actuator extends and retracts the control rod to move asifter door of the plurality of sifter doors between an open and aclosed position, respectively, wherein the aircraft releases the payloadwhen the sifter door is in the open position.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein each of the one or more electric sifters comprises: a screen,oriented downward on a bottom surface of the one or more electricsifters; and a motor, coupled to each of the one or more electricsifters to facilitate payload release when activated.
 6. The device ofclaim 5, each of the one or more electric sifters further comprising:one or more springs mounted crosswise diagonally on the inside of theelectric sifter between an inside surface of the electric sifter and anoutside edge of the screen, wherein screen vibration imparted by themotor causes the one or more springs to vibrate sympathetically therebycausing payload in contact with the one or more springs to fall to thebottom of each of the one or more electric sifters.
 7. The device ofclaim 1, wherein each of the one or more electric sifters comprises: oneof a sonar and an optical sensor configured to detect a payload level inthe electric sifter and provide a notification signal when the payloadlevel is at a predetermined level.
 8. A device, comprising: an electricsifter, mounted externally to an aircraft, comprising: a chamber forstoring a payload comprising one of powdered and granular material; aside loading port to add the payload to the chamber; a distributionapparatus to distribute the payload when the aircraft is airborne,comprising: a sifter door; a control rod coupled to the sifter door; anda sifter door actuator coupled to the control rod, wherein each sifterdoor actuator is coupled to an opposite end of the control rod from thesifter door, wherein the sifter door actuator causes the control rod tomove the sifter door between an open and a closed position; a processor;and a memory, coupled to the processor, comprising: an uploaded program,configured to control the electric sifter, wherein in response to theuploaded program commands the sifter door actuator to open the sifterdoor, the distribution apparatus distributes the payload from thedevice, wherein in response to the uploaded program determines when thepayload has been distributed by the device, the uploaded program directsthe aircraft to land.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the electricsifter further comprises: a vibration motor, coupled to a surface of theelectric sifter, for facilitating distribution of the payload from thedevice when the sifter door is open.
 10. The device of claim 9, whereinthe uploaded program utilizes aircraft and weather information todetermine when to activate and inactivate the vibration motor and thesifter door actuator.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the payloadcomprises one of a granular mixture comprising at least one of pollen,seeds, and a mixture comprising insect eggs and larvae, and beneficialinsects.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein the electric sifter furthercomprising: a screen, on a bottom surface of the electric sifter,wherein the screen allows payload elements smaller than a mesh size ofthe screen to be distributed and prevents payload elements larger thanthe mesh size of the screen from being distributed.
 13. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the payload comprises at least one of a pesticide, afungicide, and a fertilizer.
 14. The device of claim 12, wherein thevibration motor is a cell phone vibrator, wherein the vibration motorimparts sympathetic vibration to the screen to facilitate payloadrelease.
 15. The device of claim 8, wherein the electric sifter furthercomprising: one of a sonar and an optical sensor configured to detect apayload level in the chamber and provide a notification signal when thepayload level is at a predetermined level.
 16. A device, comprising: aplurality of electric sifters each mounted beneath and external to anaircraft and configured to store a payload, each electric siftercomprising: a distribution apparatus to distribute the payload; aprocessor; and a memory, coupled to the processor, comprising: anuploaded program, configured to control the electric sifter; and awireless receiver, coupled to the processor, configured to receivecommands from a ground-based operator, wherein in response to theuploaded program determines when the payload in the plurality ofelectric sifters has been distributed by the device, the uploadedprogram directs the aircraft to land at a designated location.
 17. Thedevice of claim 16, wherein the distribution apparatus comprises: asifter door; and a sifter door actuator coupled to the sifter door,wherein each sifter door actuator is configured to move the sifter doorbetween an open and a closed position based on a command from one of theuploaded program and the wireless receiver.
 18. The device of claim 16,wherein the payload in each of the plurality of electric sifterscomprises at least one of a powdered and a granular material.
 19. Thedevice of claim 16, wherein each electric sifter further comprises: asensor to determine a payload level in the electric sifter, wherein theuploaded program determines when the payload in the plurality ofelectric sifters has been distributed by the device.